Device for molecular polarization in water

ABSTRACT

A device for applying electrostatic and magnetic fields to a fluid includes an outer conduit  48  and an inner conduit  50  forming a fluid passageway  86  therebetween. The inner conduit is connected to a DC power source and the outer conduit along with electrode needles  84  in electrical communication therewith are connected to ground. A baffle  82  is positioned within the passageway to impart a spiral motion to the fluid flowing therein.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application60/080,207, filed Mar. 31, 1998.

The present invention relates to the treatment of fluids, and moreparticularly relates to devices and methods for the treatment of fluidscontaining contaminants therein and in particular, for the treatment ofwater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The treatment of a fluid, and particularly water, with a field is wellknown in the art. Treatment of water is typically carried out to reducesome of the problems associated with scaling and corrosion of theequipment using the water. In particular, the use of high temperaturewater in boilers and the like has always caused significant problems andthere have been many proposals in the art for treating the water,including the use of chemicals, in order to reduce the problems ofscaling and corrosion.

It is known in the art to treat boiler water with either anelectrostatic or magnetic field and such devices are commerciallyavailable.

The problem of scaling occurs wherein the suspended solids bind togetherand collect on heat exchange equipment. The degree of the problem willdepend on the pH of the water, the operating conditions of the circuit,the source of the water, etc.

As aforementioned, it has been proposed in the art to use high potentialelectrostatic fields to treat the water such that the particles insuspension become charged and can be attracted/repelled as desired. Thesame principle is used in other industrial processes such as paintspraying and photocopiers.

The use of magnetic fields to treat water has also been proposed in theart although such devices have not received a large acceptance in theindustry. Rather, treatment of the water by chemicals is the norm inmany industrial plants.

One particular field wherein a problem exists is in the separation ofpollutants by use of a membrane, the principle being that of reverseosmosis. Many such systems are in commercial use in order to purifywater. However, one problem which is encountered in such systems is therelatively short life of the membrane due to clogging and/or physicaldamage by the contaminants.

It is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,443,320 to provide electrodes whichextend into a fluid carrying conduit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved reverseosmosis system wherein membrane life may be enhanced.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel;electrostatic device for the treatment of water.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a magneticdevice for the treatment of a fluid.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provideimprovements in processes and apparatuses which use fields to treat afluid.

According to one aspect of the present invention of in a device fortreating a fluid comprising an outer elongated conduit, an inner coaxialconduit, a fluid passageway being defined intermediate the outerelongated conduit and the inner coaxial conduit, means for creating anelectrostatic field within the passageway, there is provided theimprovement comprising baffle means mounted in the fluid passageway; aplurality of electrode needles in electrical communication with theouter conduit, the electrode needles extending inwardly towards theinner coaxial conduit, and a power source operatively connected to theouter conduit and the needles to create an intense electric dischargesimilar to a corona effect. Alternately, the outer conduit and electrodeneedles are connected to ground and a DC power source is connected tothe inner conduit.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a methodfor treating fluid comprising the steps of supplying the aforementionedfluid treating device and passing the fluid through the fluid passagewayand applying a DC voltage to the needles to create an intense electricdischarge similar to a corona effect.

In a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided amethod for prolonging the life of a membrane in a reverse osmosis systemwherein a fluid is passed over the membrane, the method comprising thestep of passing the fluid through a field to create a positive charge onany particulate matter in the fluid.

Various types of closed (or partially closed) loop systems whereinscaling and corrosion causes problems are known. One may include heatingand air conditioning equipment such as hot water or steam boilers,cooling water towers, heat pumps, refrigeration equipment, distillers,etc. The use of a polarization system influences the contaminants withinthe fluid With the present invention, one is able to polarize diecontaminant molecules in a manner which changes their ability to affectthe system. In particular, these contaminant particles are kept in anionic form for reasons which are discussed hereinbelow.

The closed loop system may be any conventional and would normallyinclude, in the case of hot water or steam, a boiler, associatedconduits for recirculating the fluid, a pump and other conventionalcomponents including valves and the like. According to the presentinvention, there is provided a polarization system to inhibit thedeposition of contaminants.

In a purification system using membranes such as in reverse osmosis, thefluid (hereinafter referred to as water) passing over the surface of thepolymer membrane creates a situation wherein the membrane surfacebecomes positively charged with transfer of electrons to the water whichthereby becomes negatively charged and a conductor. Neutral moleculessuch as calcium carbonate tend to be destabilized by the induction ofthe negative charges and will generally be attracted to the membranesurface and/or any other positively charged surface. In this state, thecalcium carbonate is generally in the form of small needles which canhave a deleterious effect on the surface of the membrane. As time goesalong, the membrane becomes clogged and damage occurs to the surface.

With the use of a polarization device, the device, in one embodiment,provides a positive charge to the water. Molecules of, for example,calcium carbonate which are normally neutral, are reorganizing theirelectro-chemical bonds. The small sharp needles of calcium carbonatetend to gather together in small porous balls which carry a positivecharge. These small porous balls, when they reach the surface of themembrane, absorb and neutralize negative ions and then there is anatural ionic repulsion between the limestone balls and the surface. Asimilar process may be carried out with other contaminants includingbio-contaminants.

The magnetic reactor is most suitable for treating relatively smallvolumes of water as the cost of magnets can be substantial. Preferably,such a device would be used only for treating volumes up toapproximately 80 litres per minute.

The outer conduit may be made of any suitable material includingstainless steel or plastic, the material being capable of withstandingthe corrosion, pressure and temperatures required.

The magnetic portion of the device may be suitably encased within theinner conduit which is preferably of a stainless steel having a minimumthickness. The magnets are preferably of the AlNiCo type. Thearrangement is such that the inner conduit represents approximately halfof the total diameter of the outer conduit. Although different sizingmay be used, generally magnets may be approximately 2-3 centimetres indiameter and 2-3 centimetres long. The magnets are arranged such thatsimilar poles face each other and thus have a repelling force towardseach other.

As above mentioned, there are provided baffle means which are designedto impart a spiral motion to the fluid being passed therethrough.Preferably, the baffles are such that the water will pass through 360degrees in 1½ times the magnet length. As the water passes through thepassageway, there is set up an electromagnetic force in the fluid. Thisin turn will charge the contaminated molecules. These contaminants,which may be for example, calcium carbonate, then tend to form smallporous balls which carry a positive charge.

In the electrostatic field embodiment, there is provided a device, whichin addition to creating an electrostatic field, combines the same withelectrodes protruding into the passageway to provide a localized energycontent.

The electrostatic generator may operate at between −12 kV DC to −50 kVDC with a current of between 250 mA to 10 mA. It is also possible to usepositive voltage if circumstances require the same.

According to the present invention, one can use different types ofpolarization devices in different water treatment apparatuses such asreverse osmosis systems and closed loop boiler systems.

In the instant specification, reference has been made to water as beingthe fluid most commonly treated. It will be understood that other fluidsmay likewise be treated. Such fluids can include, for example, liquidsand vapours.

It will also be understood that the polarization devices of the presentinvention may be used either singly or in combination if so desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made tothe accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments thereof, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a closed loop boiler system andassociated polarization system;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a reverse osmosis system including apolarization device;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustrating a portion of a firstpolarization device;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing the inner conduit andassociated baffles of the device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of apolarization device;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a portion ofthe polarization device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view, partially in cutaway, of thepolarization device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the inner conduit portion of thepolarization device of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a bafflemeans which may be incorporated in the polarization device of FIGS. 5 to8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a closed loop boiler system generally designated byreference numeral 100. Closed loop boiler system 100 includes a boiler102 along with conduits 104 for circulation of the water. A circulationpump 106 pumps the water through conduits 104 which are provided withvalves 105 in a conventional manner. Water is pumped through a conduitfor its end use as indicated by arrow 108 and returned as indicated byarrow 110.

An ionic polarization system 112 is mounted in-line and includes aninlet conduit 114 and an outlet conduit 116.

Ionic polarization system 112, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a hightemperature solenoid valve 118 mounted on inlet conduit 114. Anautomatic circuit 120 is operatively connected to high temperaturesolenoid valve 118 and which solenoid valve will be closed duringbackwash of the system as will be discussed in greater detailhereinbelow.

A pressure gauge 122 is mounted on the conduit prior to the inlet to afilter 124. Filter 124 is preferably of the washable type and used toeliminate sedimentary aggregates. Filter 124 preferably filters down toone micron.

A second pressure gauge 126 is mounted at the outlet from filter 124. Atthe bottom of the filter 124, there is provided a motorized ball valve128 to permit discharge, after backwash, to sewage discharge line 130.

A polarization device 132 is mounted in-line and will be discussed ingreater detail hereinbelow. Polarization device 132 is operativelyconnected to automation circuit 120 and is provided with a visualindicating device 134 which may report any short circuit or otherproblem associated therewith.

After polarization device 132, there is provided an inverted pressureswitch 134 to protect a pump 138 mounted in-line from sudden pressuredeclines. Pump 138 is utilized to draw a portion of the water from theboiler circuit to treat a portion thereof The pump may be adjustedaccording to the boiler pressure and the natural restriction which willbe created by the polarization system.

After pump 138, there is provided a further solenoid valve 142 followingwhich the water is passed through outlet conduit 116.

The system may include a water line 144 fed to solenoid 146 which isalso operatively connected to automation circuit 120, for purposes ofperiodically back washing filter 124.

Turning to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a reverse osmosis system. Inthis system, a valve 160 is mounted on a water input line 161. A firstpressure gauge 162 is mounted thereon following which the water willpass sequentially through filters 164 and 166.

Filter 164 is preferably of the type formed of micro fibres ofpolypropylene on a matrix. These filters provide extremely goodfiltering properties and are manufactured to have a very precise controlover the size of the particle filtered. Filter 166 is preferably anactive carbon filter which removes a large number of pollutants andthereby protect the reverse osmosis membrane from contact with some ofthese deleterious pollutants particularly those such as chlorine.

At the exit from carbon filter 166, there is provided a pressure gauge168 which, in combination with pressure gauge 162, will indicate anypressure drop and thus possible clogging of filters 164 and 166. Abalancing valve 170 is provided on the output line and the water is thenfed through a conduit 172 to a polarization device 174. After passingthrough a polarization device 174, it is delivered to a reverse osmosisdevice 176.

Polarization device 174, as discussed hereinbelow, polarizes pollutantssuch as limestone molecules and stops them from causing any damage tothe membrane by creating a natural ionic repulsion of each molecule orparticle.

Reverse osmosis system 176 preferably includes a membrane of a typewhich can eliminate more than 96% of all dissolved solvents. It ispreferably of the TFC type which are not attacked by bacteria, virusesand parasites.

After the reverse osmosis system 176, there is provided a waste waterdischarge conduit 178 and a pure water discharge conduit 180. Mounted onwaste water conduit 178 is a restrictor 182 to maintain an adequateosmotic pressure in reverse osmosis system 176.

Pure water conduit 180 passes to balancing valve 170 before deliveringthe water to a final carbon filter to soften the water (if required).Subsequently, a further filtering may be provided by filter 186. Thisfilter may use a hydrophilic membrane of polyethersulfone to guarantee awater without the biological pollutants such as bacteria, mould, virusesand the like.

The system includes a pressure tank 188 as is known in the art beforeleading to a discharge conduit 190.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there is provided a polarization device whichincludes an outer elongated conduit 22 having at either end flanges 26for connection within the water treatment system.

Mounted interiorly of outer elongated conduit 22 is an inner coaxialconduit generally designated by reference numeral 24. Between outerconduit 22 and inner coaxial conduit 24 there is defined a fluidpassageway 36.

Mounted within inner conduit 24 are a plurality of magnets. Preferably,the magnets are sized to be approximately 50% of the total diameter ofouter conduit 22. Magnets 28 are preferably of the AlNiCo type. It willbe noted that magnets 28 have

As shown in FIG. 3, lines of flux 32 are created within fluid passageway36. Baffle means comprising baffles 34 are mounted on the exteriorsurface of inner conduit 24 in a spiral like configuration and therebyrestrict the flow of fluid through fluid passageway 36. Naturally,baffles 34 could be mounted on the interior wall of outer conduit 22 orcould constitute a separate component.

In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement of baffles 34 is such thateach baffle is separated from the other by approximately 1½ times thelength of the individual magnets 28.

The above arrangement is such that the fluid, which may be water,flowing through the passageway 36, is in relative movement to themagnetic field. In the instant case, the central energy body is magneticand multi polar while not moving. The fluid, preferably water, movesfrom one field to another and therefore there is set up anelectromagnetic force. It will be noted that the magnets, in thepreferred embodiment, are arranged such that a north pole is provided atthe exit to thereby induce a positive charge to the fluid.

A further embodiment of a polarization device is illustrated in FIGS. 5to 8 and reference will now be made thereto.

In this embodiment, there is provided a high voltage power supply 40 aswell as a low voltage power supply 42 to supply high voltage supply 40,if required. Typically, high voltage power supply 40 may be able tosupply power at −50 KV to +50 KV dc. Thus, the power supply can be usedto generate positive ions or negative ions as required.

Electrical wires 44 operatively connect the power supply 40 to apolarization device generally designated by reference numeral 46.

Polarization device 46 has at electrically grounded outer elongatedconduit 48 and a coaxial inner conduit 50. For connection purposes,there is provided a moveable connecting member which is generallydesignated by reference numeral 52 and which removable connecting member52 allows access to the interior of outer elongated conduit 48 asrequired.

Outer removable member 52 includes a flange 54 for connection to outerelongated conduit 48 and there is provided an end cap. 56. A connectorgenerally designated by reference numeral 58 includes a first malethreaded portion 60 and a second male threaded portion 62 intermediateof which there is a nut portion 64. To provide proper sealing, there isprovided a sleeve 66 held in position by nut 68 screw threadablyengageable with male threaded portion 60. In turn, male threaded portion62 is engageable with a threaded portion on end cap 56. Elongatedconduit 48 is connected to removable connecting member 52 by means offlange 72 and bolt 74 which engage flanges 72 and 54.

Inner coaxial conduit 50 is formed of a metallic electrode 76 which maycomprise, for example, a solid metallic bar of a material such ascopper. Surrounding electrode 76 is an outer dielectric lining 78 whichmay be made of a suitable material such a PTFE. At the distal end ofinner conduit 50, there is provided a conduit support member 80.

Mounted within passageway 88 are baffles 82 which again have a spiralconfiguration. Baffles 82 are used to slow the flow of the fluid to thereactor. The gap between the baffles and the interior conduit ispreferably small—in the order of 40 to 80 mm and more preferably,between 50 and 70 mm.

Supports 86 are mounted within outer conduit 48 and extend towards innerconduit 50. Supports 86 have mounted at the end thereof electrodedischarge needles 84. Needles 84 are preferably situated so as to bebetween 30 and 50 mm from inner conduit 50. Needles 84 create an intenseelectric discharge similar to the known Corona Effect.

FIG. 9 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a baffle 200 which mayreplace baffles 82. In this arrangement, there is provided a spiralsupport portion 202 which is connected to longitudinally extendingconnecting members 204. It will be noted that spiral portion 202 isconfigured so as to have inwardly tapering side walls 206 and 208 toterminate in an edge 210. Edge 210 is spaced from the dielectric lining,as previously mentioned, by a distance of between 40 to 80 mm andpreferably, between 50 and 70 mm.

As in the previously described embodiment, there are preferably providedsupports 86 which extend about so as to form a wall and thereby slowpassage of the fluid through passageway 88. On supports 86 there areprovided electrode needles 84.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for treating a fluid, said apparatuscomprising: an outer elongated conduit connected to an electric ground;an inner coaxial conduit, said inner coaxial conduit being of a metallicmaterial having a dielectric material on an outer surface thereof; afluid passageway defined intermediate the outer elongated conduit andinner coaxial conduit; a baffle means mounted in said fluid passagewayand adapted to impart a spiral motion to fluid flowing therein; aplurality of electrode needles in electrical communication with saidouter conduit, said electrode needles extending inwardly towards saidinner coaxial conduit; and a means for creating a field within saidpassageway comprising a DC power source operatively connected to saidinner conduit to apply a high voltage thereto.
 2. The apparatus of claim1 wherein said means for creating a field. within said passagewayfurther comprises a plurality of magnets mounted within said innerconduit, each of said magnets being placed such that adjacent magnetshave like poles adjacent each other.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 furtherincluding separators between adjacent magnets.
 4. The apparatus of claim2 wherein said baffle means are arranged such that a fluid passingthrough said fluid passageway will circulate through 360 degrees in adistance equivalent to 1½ magnet lengths.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2wherein said magnets are AlNiCo magnets.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2wherein said magnets are located such that there is a north pole at anexit end of said fluid passageway.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid baffle means include a spirally configured member having aninwardly extending edge which has a tapered configuration.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7 wherein said inner coaxial conduit has a diameterapproximately 50% of a diameter of said outer elongated conduit.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said dielectric material is PTFE.